News

You are here

Should you share a bed with your pet?

Should you let your pet sleep on your bed? There will be lots of people out there with strong opinions for both sides of this argument. Some people will consider it unhygienic and say that it undermines the hierarchy of owner and pet while some say that they find it comforting and relaxing to have their four-legged friend cuddled up on their bed.

In all honesty, there is no right or wrong answer, but there are a few things you need to consider when deciding whether to let your pet sleep on your bed or not.

1. Are you allergic?

If you suffer from pet allergies or asthma, it is not recommended that you sleep with your pet. Really, pets should be kept out of the bedroom altogether so that your nose can have a bit of a break. Remember that pet allergies can develop at any stage of life so even if you’ve had your dog for years, you could still go on to develop an allergy later on in life.

2. How well do you sleep?

If you’re a light sleeper, the constant shuffling, scratching and snuffling that comes from having a pet in your bed could keep you awake all night. However, some people find the warmth and comfort of having their beloved pet nearby helps them to sleep better. Touching pets is known to raise our level of the chemical oxytocin, which increases our feelings of trust, relaxation and psychological stability.

3. What does your partner think?

If you’re in a relationship, you’ll need to consider how the other person feels about sharing their bed with a furry intruder. Dr. Charles D. Schmitz, co-author of “Golden Anniversaries: The Seven Secrets of a Successful Marriage” says:

“If one person is fine with the dog, but the other isn’t, then you’ve got a problem. You’ll absolutely have to talk about it and make sure both people are comfortable with the situation.”